The Maryland Comptroller's Office said it confiscated nearly 326,000 packs of smuggled cigarettes and more than $92,000 in contraband alcohol during fiscal year 2012.

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Comptroller Peter Franchot made the announcement surrounded by the seized products Wednesday morning. He praised the work of law enforcement agencies in working to protect law-abiding businesses from underground operations and tax cheats.

"I am very proud of the diligent efforts of my field enforcement agents and inspectors to stop criminals and their contraband," Franchot said. "The blatant disregard of Maryland tax laws, which protect law-abiding businesses and consumers, will not be ignored."

Franchot said agents arrested and charged 196 people with tobacco violations and confiscated 325,851 packs of cigarettes valued at nearly $2 million -- a significant increase from fiscal year 2011 in which 184,498 packs were seized.

The comptroller also said there was an increase in the amount of contraband alcohol that was seized. He said agents seized 426 gallons of distilled liquor, 785 gallons of wine and 7,737 containers of beer, totaling a retail value of more than $92,000. Last year, only about $50,000 in alcohol was seized.

Franchot cited partnerships with various law enforcement agencies across the state as the reason for the increase.

The comptroller said he's working to get legislation passed that will increase the penalties for those who smuggle tobacco products into Maryland. This past year, the House passed legislation to do so, but the Senate did not.

The Comptroller's Office said it also issued 91 motor fuel violations this year.

The office said it's required to destroy or sell the contraband tobacco and alcohol, with the exception of beer, which has to be destroyed because of its short shelf life.